Tutorial Tuesday :: The Nettie Swimsuit by Closet Case Files

In my hunt this summer for the perfect swimsuit pattern I came across the Bombshell by Closet Case Patterns and immediately decided we just had to have them as a pattern vendor for our customers at Girl Charlee!  Introducing Heather Lewenza of Closet Case Patterns.  Here is a little more information about Heather and her patterns. 

Closet Case Patterns 
Heather Lewenza released her first pattern in 2013 to address the lack of beautiful swimsuit options available for the home sewist. The Bombshell was a great success, and as a result, Closet Case Patterns was born. You can expect a number of beautifully drafted Closet Case releases each year, all classic designs with a modern and fashion-forward edge, the necessary luxuries you didn't realize your wardrobe was missing. 

Both the Bombshell and the Nettie, with conversion steps below, patterns produce amazing swimsuits!  The directions are easy to follow resulting in well constructed garments.  Girl Charlee collaborated with Heather to put together this sewalong tutorial on how, in just 5 simple steps, to convert the Nettie pattern into a two-piece bathing suit using one of our swimsuit fabrics and coordinating liner fabric.

A great tip from Heather on working with the more slippery nylon spandex fabrics is to use a rotary cutter to cut fabric pieces.  Rotary cutters make cutting fabric significantly easier and faster than scissors, and you do not have to lift the fabric with the scissors as it lies flat through the process. 

Ready to try your own Nettie or Bombshell?  Get started with our helpful links below!

Closet Case Nettie Dress and Bodysuit Sewing Pattern ::
The Nettie is a quick and easy to make wardrobe staple. Close fitting with high cut arms, she can be made into a knit dress OR a bodysuit. This pattern is infinitely customizable with a choice of 3 sleeve lengths, 2 neckline and 3 back variations. Pattern has sizes 2 through 18. Recommended fabrics are 4 way stretch fabrics with at least 50% crosswise stretch. Medium weight cotton-lycra or cotton-spandex is ideal. 2 way stretch fabric such as ponte de roma is perfect for the dress version. 

For the dress, try one of these fabrics:

For the bodysuit, try one of these fabrics:

For the swimsuit, try one of these fabrics:

For lining the swimsuit, try one of these fabrics:

Don't want to hack a Sewing Pattern? You don't have to. We also carry Closet Case Patterns the Bombshell. With three different variations included, this classic silhouette is sure to flatter all body types.

Closet Case Bombshell Swimsuit Sewing Pattern ::
The Bombshell is modeled on a classic 1950's silhouette, a style that harkens back to the golden era of flattering, sexy and (dare I say) modest swimsuits. The pattern includes 3 variations in 8 sizes: a gathered bust maillot, a halter neck, and a high waist bottom which you can mix and match with your favorite bikini top. Ruched on all sides and along the back center seam, the Bombshell hugs your curves while providing full coverage. Pattern sizes 4 through 18. Recommended fabric is nylon spandex. For the lining use lining nylon spandex.

Try one of these fabrics:

For lining the swimsuit try one of these fabrics:

We hope you enjoy this tutorial and these patterns. Please send 1-2 images of any project you make with Girl Charlee Fabrics to gcblog@girlcharlee.com and you might see your creation featured in our next KnitPicks!

Happy sewing!

~ Heather & The Girl Charlee Team